1 Samuel 24:7

KJV

So David stayed his servants with these words, and suffered them not to rise against Saul. But Saul rose up out of the cave, and went on [his] way.

KJV (with Strong's)

So David {H1732} stayed {H8156} his servants {H582} with these words {H1697}, and suffered {H5414} them not to rise {H6965} against Saul {H7586}. But Saul {H7586} rose up {H6965} out of the cave {H4631}, and went {H3212} on his way {H1870}.

Complete Jewish Bible

By saying this, David stopped his men and would not let them do anything to Sha'ul. Sha'ul got up, left the cave and went on his way.

Berean Standard Bible

With these words David restrained his men, and he did not let them rise up against Saul. Then Saul left the cave and went on his way.

American Standard Version

So David checked his men with these words, and suffered them not to rise against Saul. And Saul rose up out of the cave, and went on his way.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Samuel 24:7 captures a pivotal moment in the wilderness of Engedi, where David, despite having a clear opportunity to eliminate his persecutor, King Saul, actively restrains his eager men from harming the Lord's anointed. This verse powerfully illustrates David's profound reverence for God's sovereign choice, his remarkable self-control, and his unwavering trust in divine justice, choosing to wait on God's timing rather than taking vengeance into his own hands. His actions demonstrate a deep spiritual maturity that prioritizes divine principles over personal expediency, setting a profound example of righteous leadership.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is deeply embedded within the dramatic narrative of David's flight from Saul, specifically following the intense encounter in the cave of Engedi. Immediately preceding this verse, David and his men are hiding when Saul, unaware of their presence, enters the very cave to relieve himself. David's men, interpreting this as a divinely provided opportunity, urge him to kill Saul, referencing the Lord's implied promise to deliver his enemy into his hand. However, David, after secretly cutting off a corner of Saul's robe, is immediately conscience-stricken, lamenting that he had "put forth his hand against the Lord's anointed" as recorded in [1 Samuel 24:6](/1_samuel/24-6 "1 Samuel 24:6 - David's Conscience and Regret"). Verse 7 then describes David's decisive intervention, not only preventing himself but also his zealous followers from acting on their vengeful impulses, thereby reinforcing his profound respect for God's established authority and his commitment to a higher moral standard. This pivotal moment underscores David's unique character as a man after God's own heart, contrasting sharply with Saul's increasingly erratic and disobedient behavior.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events unfold in the wilderness of Engedi, a rugged, arid region near the Dead Sea, characterized by numerous caves and difficult terrain, making it an ideal hiding place for David and his 600 men. King Saul, as the reigning monarch, held a divinely sanctioned position, despite God's regret over making him king due to his persistent disobedience, as highlighted in [1 Samuel 15:10-11](/1_samuel/15-10-11 "1 Samuel 15:10-11 - God Regrets Making Saul King"). The concept of "the Lord's anointed" (Hebrew: *mashiaḥ YHWH*) was central to ancient Israelite kingship, signifying that the king was God's chosen representative, consecrated by divine appointment. To harm him, even a flawed king like Saul, was considered an act of rebellion against God Himself. David's actions reflect a deep understanding and reverence for this sacred office, even when the office-holder was personally corrupt and actively seeking his life. This context highlights the immense pressure David was under to act, both from his men and the circumstances, making his restraint all the more remarkable and a testament to his profound theological conviction.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in 1 Samuel and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Reverence for God's Anointed**, demonstrating David's unwavering respect for God's sovereign choice in Saul, despite Saul's malicious intent. This highlights the sanctity of divine appointments, even when the human vessel is deeply flawed, and the principle that vengeance belongs to God alone, as later affirmed in [Romans 12:19](/romans/12-19 "Romans 12:19 - Vengeance is the Lord's"). Secondly, it showcases **Self-Control and Moral Leadership**, as David not only restrains his own hand but also actively "stayed his servants," preventing them from carrying out an act of revenge. This exemplifies strong moral leadership and personal discipline in the face of immense provocation, a stark contrast to Saul's impulsive and disobedient character. Thirdly, David's actions reflect a profound **Trust in Divine Justice and Timing**, demonstrating his conviction that God would ultimately deal with Saul and establish His own chosen king in His own time, a sentiment echoed in [Psalm 37:7](/psalms/37-7 "Psalm 37:7 - Rest in the Lord and Wait Patiently"). He refused to take matters into his own hands, choosing to wait on the Lord's timing. Finally, it speaks to the theme of **Patience and Endurance**, underscoring David's remarkable ability to endure Saul's relentless persecution without resorting to violence, a testament to his reliance on God's plan rather than human intervention.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Stayed (Hebrew, _shâçaʻ'_):** From H8156, this verb means "to split or tear," but also figuratively "to upbraid" or "to stay" in the sense of holding back or restraining. In this context, it signifies David's forceful and authoritative action to prevent his men from moving forward with their plan to attack Saul. It implies a decisive intervention that effectively halted their vengeful intentions, demonstrating David's immediate and firm control over his eager followers.
* **Words (Hebrew, _dâbâr'_):** From H1697, this term refers to "a word," but by implication, it can also mean a "matter," "thing," "affair," or "commandment." Here, "these words" refer to David's powerful and conviction-filled declaration in the preceding verse (1 Samuel 24:6) about the sanctity of the Lord's anointed. It highlights that David's restraint was not merely physical but was rooted in a verbal articulation of deep theological principle, conveying authority and moral clarity.
* **Suffered them not (Hebrew, _nâthan'_):** This phrase uses the negative particle with the verb H5414, _nâthan_, which means "to give," "to allow," or "to permit." Therefore, "suffered them not" means David "did not permit them" or "did not give them leave" to rise against Saul. This reinforces the active and authoritative nature of David's intervention, emphasizing that he not only spoke words of restraint but also actively withheld permission and opportunity for his men to act, demonstrating his firm resolve and the extent of his control.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"So David stayed his servants with these words,"**: This clause immediately establishes David's proactive and authoritative role in preventing bloodshed. Having just experienced a profound internal conviction after merely cutting Saul's robe, David turns his attention to his eager and vengeful men. The phrase "with these words" refers to his earlier declaration in [1 Samuel 24:6](/1_samuel/24-6 "1 Samuel 24:6 - David's Conscience") about the sanctity of "the Lord's anointed." This highlights David's moral conviction and his ability to exert strong, righteous leadership over his followers, even when their natural inclination was towards immediate retaliation. His verbal command was potent enough to halt their intentions.
* **"and suffered them not to rise against Saul."**: This phrase reiterates and strengthens the previous one, emphasizing the complete and decisive prevention of any hostile action. David not only spoke words of restraint but actively ensured that his men did not physically "rise against" or attack Saul. This underscores the depth of David's commitment to honoring God's appointed king, even in the face of extreme provocation and personal danger. His actions here are a testament to his faith that God would ultimately deliver justice without his unlawful intervention, demonstrating a profound trust in divine sovereignty.
* **"But Saul rose up out of the cave, and went on [his] way."**: This concluding clause starkly contrasts David's profound moral struggle and restraint with Saul's complete unawareness and continued pursuit. Saul, entirely oblivious to the mortal danger he had just been in and the remarkable grace extended to him, simply exits the cave and continues his journey. This highlights the divine protection over Saul (due to David's obedience) and the profound irony of the situation: the hunter was unknowingly at the mercy of the hunted, yet was spared by the very man he sought to destroy. It also emphasizes the immediate consequence of David's obedience – Saul's life was preserved, and the narrative of David's patient waiting for God's timing continued.

#### Literary Devices
The passage is rich in literary devices that enhance its theological and narrative impact. **Irony** is profoundly present, as Saul, the powerful king, is unknowingly vulnerable in the cave, completely at the mercy of David, the fugitive he relentlessly pursues. This dramatic reversal of power dynamics underscores divine sovereignty at play, where God protects the "anointed" even through the obedience of the one being persecuted. There is also a strong **Contrast** between David's profound reverence for God's anointed and Saul's unholy obsession with destroying David, as well as between David's self-control and his men's vengeful impulses. The **Symbolism** of the cave itself is significant; it represents a place of hidden danger, a potential tomb for Saul, but also a crucible for David's character, where his faith, obedience, and moral leadership are tested and proven. David's act of cutting Saul's robe, though regretted, serves as a subtle **Foreshadowing** of the eventual transfer of the kingdom from Saul to David, a symbolic "cutting off" of Saul's reign, but one that David refuses to hasten by unlawful means, demonstrating his commitment to God's timing.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Samuel 24:7 powerfully illustrates the biblical principle of respecting God-ordained authority, even when that authority is flawed, abusive, or actively hostile. David's refusal to "put forth his hand against the Lord's anointed" is not merely political pragmatism but a deep theological conviction that vengeance and the removal of a divinely appointed leader belong to God alone. This act of restraint demonstrates a profound trust in God's sovereignty and His perfect timing, affirming that God is capable of bringing about His purposes without human beings resorting to sinful or premature actions. It challenges believers to submit to governing authorities, even imperfect ones, and to trust God to work justice in His way and time, rather than taking matters into their own hands. This principle finds broad application in the Christian life, calling for patience, humility, and faith in God's ultimate justice.

* [Romans 13:1-7](/romans/13-1-7 "Romans 13:1-7 - Submission to Governing Authorities")
* [1 Peter 2:13-17](/1_peter/2-13-17 "1 Peter 2:13-17 - Submission to Human Authority for the Lord's Sake")
* [Psalm 37:7](/psalms/37-7 "Psalm 37:7 - Rest in the Lord and Wait Patiently")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
David's actions in 1 Samuel 24:7 provide a timeless model for believers navigating difficult relationships and oppressive circumstances. In a world that often champions immediate retaliation, self-assertion, and taking justice into one's own hands, David's profound restraint stands as a counter-cultural testament to faith. It calls us to exercise self-control and patience, especially when dealing with those in authority, even if they are unjust or misguided. This passage encourages us to trust in God's ultimate sovereignty and His perfect timing to right wrongs, rather than resorting to actions that might violate His principles or bring dishonor to His name. True spiritual leadership, as exemplified by David, often involves demonstrating righteous behavior and guiding others away from sin, even when it is personally costly or unpopular. It reminds us that our battles are ultimately God's, and our role is to obey and wait, trusting that He will vindicate His people and fulfill His promises in His own way. This principle of non-retaliation and trust in divine justice is a cornerstone of Christian ethics, inviting us to reflect Christ's character in our responses to adversity.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do I respond when I feel wronged or have a perceived opportunity for "justified" retaliation against someone who has harmed me?**
* **In what areas of my life do I struggle to trust God's timing, feeling tempted to take matters into my own hands rather than waiting on His intervention?**
* **How can David's example of respecting flawed authority inform my interactions with leaders in my church, community, or workplace, even when I disagree with them?**
* **What does it mean to "stay" or "suffer not" my own impulses or the impulses of those around me when faced with injustice, choosing God's way over human expediency?**

### FAQ
**Why didn't David kill Saul if God had delivered him into his hand?**

Answer: While David's men interpreted the situation as God "delivering" Saul into David's hand, David understood that God's method of establishing him as king would not involve him unlawfully taking the life of "the Lord's anointed." David's profound reverence for God's sovereign choice meant he would not hasten God's plan through an act of murder or rebellion against the existing, albeit flawed, king. He believed that God, who had appointed Saul, would also remove him in His own time and way, without David having to defile himself or God's sacred institution of kingship. This demonstrated David's deep faith and his commitment to God's moral law, even when it seemed counter-intuitive to his immediate advantage. David's conviction is explicitly stated in [1 Samuel 24:6](/1_samuel/24-6 "1 Samuel 24:6 - David's Conscience") and reiterated in [1 Samuel 26:9-11](/1_samuel/26-9-11 "1 Samuel 26:9-11 - David Spares Saul a Second Time").

**Was Saul truly "the Lord's anointed" if he was persecuting David and disobeying God?**

Answer: Yes, Saul remained "the Lord's anointed" in terms of his divinely appointed office, even though God had rejected him as king due to his disobedience, as clearly stated in [1 Samuel 15:23](/1_samuel/15-23 "1 Samuel 15:23 - Rebellion is as the Sin of Witchcraft"). The anointing oil symbolized a sacred, irrevocable consecration to a specific office by God. While God had chosen David to succeed Saul and had withdrawn His Spirit from Saul, Saul still held the *position* of king, and David recognized the sanctity of that office, regardless of the man occupying it. David's respect was for the *office* and God's appointment, not for Saul's character or actions. This distinction is crucial for understanding David's profound spiritual maturity and his commitment to God's established order and sovereignty.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
David's profound restraint and reverence for "the Lord's anointed" in 1 Samuel 24:7 powerfully foreshadow the ultimate "Anointed One," Jesus Christ, and His perfect submission to the Father's will, even in the face of injustice and suffering. David, though tempted to seize earthly power, refused to put forth his hand against Saul; similarly, Jesus, though possessing all power and authority, willingly submitted to the unjust actions of human authorities and the divine plan of redemption. When Peter attempted to defend Him with a sword in Gethsemane, Jesus commanded, "Put your sword back into its place, for all who take the sword will perish by the sword" ([Matthew 26:52](/matthew/26-52 "Matthew 26:52 - Jesus Rebukes Peter")). He further declared that He could have called "more than twelve legions of angels" for His defense ([Matthew 26:53](/matthew/26-53 "Matthew 26:53 - Jesus Could Call Angels")), but He chose the path of suffering and non-retaliation, trusting the Father's perfect timing and justice. Just as David waited for God to establish his kingdom, Jesus patiently endured the cross, knowing that His ultimate vindication and enthronement would come through resurrection and ascension, not through human rebellion or violence. David's act of sparing Saul, the flawed king, points to Christ's ultimate act of self-sacrifice, where the perfect King allows Himself to be "slain" by sinful humanity, thereby conquering sin and death and establishing an eternal kingdom, fulfilling the very purpose of His anointing as the true Messiah, the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God").

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Matthew 5:44

But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;

Psalms 7:4

If I have rewarded evil unto him that was at peace with me; (yea, I have delivered him that without cause is mine enemy:)

Romans 12:17

Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men.

Romans 12:21

Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.

1 Samuel 25:33

And blessed [be] thy advice, and blessed [be] thou, which hast kept me this day from coming to [shed] blood, and from avenging myself with mine own hand.